Moscow has allegedly deployed 100 to 200 military personnel to Equatorial Guinea to protect the president and his family. According to reports, the Russian troops will train elite security forces in the country’s main cities, Malabo and Bata. This move aligns with Russia’s strategy to expand its influence in Africa. In recent years, Moscow has sent thousands of soldiers to various countries across West and Central Africa to protect military regimes and assist them in combating insurgencies. Sources indicate that the troops deployed to Equatorial Guinea are linked to Africa Corps, a paramilitary group formerly known as Wagner before it was incorporated into the Russian military architecture. The Central African country, under President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo—the world’s longest-serving leader—and his son, Vice-President Teodoro Obiang Mangue, has faced criticism for human rights abuses. Besides military cooperation, Malabo is also keen to broker economic agreements with Moscow.
SOURCE: BBC